Jo Koy Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Jo Koy’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $15 million, Jo Koy, an American-Filipino stand-up comedian and podcaster, ranks among the most popular comedians globally. His historic performance in November 2022 at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, where he completely sold out the 14,000 seats, marked him as the first comedian to achieve this feat.

The commencement of Jo Koy’s career took place in Las Vegas during the early 1990s, where he performed at various local comedy clubs, gradually accumulating a following. His first notable exposure came in 2005 with his appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” paving the way for subsequent performances on “Chelsea Lately,” which solidified his reputation as an exceptional comedic talent. Reviving his family’s experiences, particularly those involving his Filipino mother and his upbringing in a mixed-race household, forms the foundation of Koy’s relatable and honest storytelling. The success of his comedy specials has been significant, both critically and popularly: he debuted on Netflix with “Jo Koy: Live from Seattle” in 2017, followed by “Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot” in 2019, “Jo Koy: In His Elements” in 2020, and “Live from the LA Forum” in 2022. These specials have significantly widened his appeal internationally, particularly within the Filipino community.

In addition to his specials, Jo Koy hosts the podcast “The Koy Pond.” He received the Stand-Up Comedian of the Year award at the 2018 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

Early Life

Born as Joseph Glenn Herbert on June 2, 1971, in Tacoma, Washington, Jo Koy’s background includes an American father who served in the United States Air Force during his time in the Philippines, where he wed Koy’s Filipino mother, a manager for a rock band. Following their divorce when Jo was 13, his mother single-handedly raised her children. The family relocated to Tacoma, Washington, and soon after Jo graduated high school, they moved to Las Vegas to be close to his ailing grandmother. His stage name, Jo Koy, is derived from a childhood nickname given by his family. He often attributes his comedic and acting prowess to his mother, regularly sharing anecdotes about her during performances. With encouragement from his mother, he actively participated in school talent shows and organized impromptu shows for friends and family.

Jo initially attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, but eventually decided to leave in pursuit of a full-time career in comedy.

Career

Beginning his stand-up journey in the mid-90s in Las Vegas, Koy gained recognition after becoming a featured performer in “Catch a Rising Star” at the MGM Grand. Encouraged by this success, he relocated to Los Angeles. After performing in Las Vegas, Jo rented the Huntridge Theater, personally selling tickets for his comedy shows by going door to door. This venture led to an invitation to appear on BET’s “Comic View.” His career further blossomed as he garnered several comedy awards and participated in numerous high-profile tours and shows. Notably, he appeared in two seasons of “Comic View” and starred in other TV stand-up specials such as “Jamie Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza!”.

Jo has achieved success by winning Showtime at the Apollo and has made appearances in multiple episodes of VH1’s “I Love the ’70s,” “I Love the ’80s,” and “I Love the ’90s.”

Jo frequently appeared as a guest commentator on “Chelsea Lately,” contributing to over 100 episodes as a regular roundtable guest. He was among the few comedians to receive a standing ovation after his performance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Additionally, Koy has been a regular guest on “The Adam Carolla Show” and hosts his own podcast titled “The Koy Pond,” available on PodcastOne. He has also made appearances on the Tru TV series “World’s Dumbest” and “New Millenium.” Invited for a second time to the Montreal comedy festival “Just for Laughs,” Koy was honored with the esteemed Canadian Gemini Award. He toured with Carlos Mencia’s “Punisher Tour,” performing before audiences in arenas and stadiums holding 10,000 fans across the nation. In 2012, Jo co-founded a podcast with comedian and TV host Michael Yo named “The Michael Yo and Jo Koy Show.” Currently, Jo continues to tour throughout the United States and is a weekly guest on “The Adam Carolla Show” podcast.

Koy produced two successful comedy specials for Comedy Central: “Don’t Make Him Angry” and “Lights Out.” His Netflix Original, “Jo Koy: Life from Seattle,” was launched globally on March 28, 2017. Another Netflix special, “Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot,” was released in June 2019. Performing at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado, Koy showcased two shows for the finale of the renowned Aspen Laugh Festival in February 2019. On June 12, 2020, Jo partnered with Netflix to unveil “Jo Koy: In His Elements,” featuring Filipino American comedians, DJs, and B-Boys. In 2022, he released “Live from the LA Forum” and the film “Easter Sunday.” The following year, Koy lent his voice to the animated Netflix films “The Monkey King” and “Leo.”

Personal Life

In 2003, Jo and his former wife Angie King welcomed their son, Joseph Herbert Jr. Koy has mentioned in interviews that their divorce did not hinder their co-parenting efforts, and they maintained an amicable relationship and friendship over the years. Jo has expressed a very close connection with his son. After his divorce, Koy chose to keep his personal life private. Rumors circulated in 2018 regarding his engagement to Amy Bray, and more recently, he has been associated with actress and singer Tia Carrere.

In September 2021, Koy and Chelsea Handler publicly confirmed their relationship on Instagram, which ended in July 2022.

Jo Koy is also known for his charitable endeavors. He initiated his first philanthropic event via The Jo Koy Foundation on August 4, 2009, which was a charity stand-up comedy performance named “Hilarity for Charity,” held at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club in Citywalk, University City, California, featuring surprise comedic guests. All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to The Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

In 2022, Koy collaborated with film producer Dan Lin at the Rise for Comedy festival, successfully raising $75,000 for the nonprofit organization Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA).

Real Estate

In 2013, Jo acquired a vast estate for $2.1 million, located high in the hills of Studio City, California. The half-acre property includes multiple structures, a pool, and Jo’s podcast recording studio. Between 2013 and 2021, to gain access

Koy would navigate a winding driveway leading to a modest 2-bedroom property that spans 1,000 square feet before arriving at his mansion. In July 2021, he invested $1.4 million to purchase this modest dwelling, further extending his compound.

In July 2023, Jo acquired an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Summerlin, Nevada, for $10 million. Koy’s mansion, built in 2011 and situated within a gated golf community, boasts 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Around the same time, he sold his Ascaya mansion in Henderson for $20.5 million.